New Country station readies in Niagara, ON

Canada’s RB Communications is awaiting final approval on a new country radio station to serve Niagara, ON. The company has received approval from both Industry Canada and the FCC, and is now waiting to hear from the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

“Over the last 10 years country music has really come back strong,” Pat St. John, president of RB Communications, told Niagara This Week.

The company, which also runs classic rock station Giant FM, did a survey and found there are between 100,000 and 150,000 avid country music fans in the region, he said.

“It’s very much a Niagara frequency,” he said.

If approved, the station will be on 89.1 FM, and will stretch into Buffalo, NY and Hamilton, ON, but mostly fill the void in Niagara.

The CRTC will approve or deny the station at the end of February. RB Communications is currently asking for residents to send in letters of support. St. John said they’ve already received support from local businesses, as well as from the mayors of Ontario cities Fort Erie, Welland, Thorold, Niagara Falls and St. Catharines.

“The support’s been outstanding,” he said.

Once approved St. John said they’ll be looking to add staff and developing a logo and brand, said Niagara This Week.